Hibernians lost further ground in their slim hopes to challenge champions and leaders Sliema, when they could only obtain a point against Floriana in a very drab encounter, that rarely reached high standards.
For Floriana it was their first point in the championship pool, and one must say that the point was deserved one for the Greens. In fact after Hibs’ initial fury were they seemed to humble Floriana, Willie Vassallo’s scored the equaliser and never looked back sharing the exchanges with their opponents for long stretches.
The result leaves Hibernians alone in third place a mere point above Birkirkara, but far away from Sliema and Valletta.
Mbong and David Camilleri were the best for Hibernians, whilst Floriana had in Da Silva, Caruana
and goalkeeper Rueben Gauci as their best elements.
Hibernians had a great start and went ahead after only two minutes when Benjamin Camilleri’s cross shot from the right beat Rueben Gauci and Andrew Cohen was on the right spot to tap the ball in. The same Cohen went close with a well taken freekick missing the base of the upright.
On seven minutes Floriana went close to the equaliser when an Evi Parker header skimmed the crossbar following a Mauro Brincat corner. On the other end Benjamin Camilleri failed to connect to an inviting David Camilleri freekick.
The match passed through a very lean period with Hibernians always keeping the upper hand with Essien Mbong, Pullicino and David Camilleir having the better of Cilia, Brincat and Da Silva.
But on 24 minutes the Hibs rearguard was caught napping to a long ball by Mario Caruana and Anthony Evi Parker lobbed over a helpless Muscat for a well taken goal.
This goal brought about Hibs’ immediate reaction and Gauci was at his best wh.en he saved a close range header following a Cohen corner-kick. Floriana had a good move with Baldacchino and Cilia with the latter’s shot blocked by Mintoff.
On 36 minutes Hibs lost a golden opportunity with Terence Scerri all alone in front of goal but his shot was deflected by Rueben Gauci’ outstretched leg. Julian Briffa tried a scorcher on 40 minutes with the ball slightly over the bar.
Just before the break Terence Scerri rose high to meet a good cross from David Camilleri but his header went inches wide with Gauci beaten.
Both coaches made a substitution at the start of the second period with Wellman coming in for Gangortsa for Floriana and Antoine Zahra relieving Benjamin Camilleri for Hibs. However this second half was played on a low key with goal-mouth actions a mirage. On 67 minutes, Evi Parker received a long ball from Caruana but this time his shot was not a repeat of the equaliser.
On 73 minutes Floriana’s second substitute Christian Cassar made his way in the penalty but his dangerous cross shot was well saved by Muscat who denied Evi Parker who was well placed to hit home.
In injury time referee Clayton Pisani sent off Hibs striker Terence Scerri for dissent, and Mario Muscat saved the match for Hibernians when he brilliantly saved a Wellman dipper in the 93rd minute.